Nikki Berry; Bride and Prejudice, Gurinder Chadha

I felt an overwhelming sense that I was watching scenes from a Disney Move. I must admit though, I was entertained. Bollywood seems to represent a whimsical sense of fun and melodrama. Although it is a bit cliche at at times, one doesn't get the sense that it is a farce of the Western version of the film. I was a little shocked and disappointed to see Ashanti belly dancing in the beach scene, but then again I suppose this is the Western influence and perhaps even a marketing strategy to attract Americanized or non-Indian viewers. It seemed true to character that Lalita is caught between her political views, as well as cultural values, and her personal feelings. The Indian version adds a new element though... Is she allowing herself to be "colonized" by marrying an Anglo-Euro Westerner? This is the only thing that I don't feel gets addressed in enough depth in the film.